Recent social media posts in Cranbrook have raised concerns about the introduction of political parties into local council elections.
Political parties are not typically associated with municipal governments and smaller communities, as they are commonly found in federal and provincial-level elections.
David Denhoff is the president of the Conservative Electors Association, which, according to its website, encourages candidates to apply as the “process will include the application, comprehensive vetting, background checks, interviews, references, and evidence of community support.”
Elections BC disclosure filings reveal that the organization is registered in 40 communities across B.C., including Cranbrook.
Social media comments have ramped up with residents worried about bringing political parties into local government.
Tom Shypitka and Lynnette Wray, who are both running for the Cranbrook mayoral seat, have added to the discussion.
“One of the best things running in a municipal election is that it is non-partisan, and non-party based,” Shyptika said in a social media post.
“Listening to a wide range of ideas from all sides is the best way we will maximize our potential to be the best municipality in Canada.
“I think most people have had enough of divisional politics and only want people to come together for a common goal.”
Wray released a statement wading in on the discussion of political parties in municipal elections.
“In Cranbrook, we know what our needs, priorities, and opportunities are; we’re independent and self-reliant – we don’t need a provincial municipal party headquartered in North Vancouver to tell us what to do,” said Wray in a statement.
“Based on what I see on the news, municipal political parties, which are mostly found in big cities in the Lower Mainland, lead to divisiveness, polarization, and less effective leadership.
“I believe that local government works best when it consists of non-partisan, independent representatives who work for the betterment of their community.”
In June, Kootenay Rockies MLA Pete Davis posted a video encouraging people to run for council, regional district and school board positions.
“We need common-sense Conservative people in those positions,” Davis said in his video.
He later clarified on social media that “BC has long had non-partisan municipal elections, and I fully support that. I never suggested creating a municipal Conservative Party.”
Former Cranbrook Mayor Ross Priest also took to social media to voice his frustration with Davis and anyone wanting to bring political parties to local government.
“I’m disappointed that our MLA doesn’t know better and that he is actively taking part in this process,” Priest said in a social media post.
“As others have said here, local government is local…’roads, water and garbage collection’…. They are not here to prop up any Federal or Provincial Political Party…. especially with the ‘intent’ of ‘taking back our province’ as MLA Davis was espousing in his recent video.”
Local government elections for mayor, council, regional district and school board positions will be held on October 17.
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